Spending a weekend in Austin on a fast getaway is an effective way to get to know the Texas capital. Get able to rock within the metropolis that’s often called the Reside Music Capital of the World and certainly one of one of the best cities within the US!
Two days in Austin is simply sufficient to take a look at a few of the sights and benefit from the nice outdoor by day. Come dusk, it’s time to dive into the town’s well-known culinary and reside music scenes.
It’s undoubtedly certainly one of my favourite cities I’ve visited within the US and I’ve been all over! A metropolis with a love for reside music, tacos, and craft beer is mainly my dream come true.
The Excellent 2 Day Itinerary for a Weekend in Austin
Whereas Austin is the state capital, it’s truly solely the 4th greatest metropolis in Texas. The truth that it’s not an enormous metropolis makes it simple to cowl loads of floor with only a weekend in Austin.
In step with the town’s unofficial slogan “Preserve Austin Bizarre,” I additionally encourage you to improvise a bit with this Austin 2-day itinerary.
Hear some funky music from a bar? Pop in to test the band out. Odor one thing scrumptious? Wander over to that meals truck. Meet some cool locals? See the place they like to hang around.
Learn on for a have a look at one of the best locations to remain and a jam-packed itinerary filled with suggestions for methods to spend 2 days in Austin.
Day 1 in Austin
With solely two days in Austin, there’s no time to waste! On the primary day, I’ll concentrate on the historical past and tradition of the town in the course of the day earlier than indulging within the culinary and nightlife sights of Austin.
Morning
I can’t consider any higher technique to kick off a weekend in Austin than with breakfast tacos. It is a metropolis obsessive about breakfast tacos, and why wouldn’t they be?
Tex-Mex is king right here, with a typical breakfast taco consisting of a flour tortilla full of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and seasoned potatoes. In fact, every place has its personal specialty tacos as properly.
There are one million and one locations to eat breakfast tacos in Austin, however a few of the high decisions embrace Cisco’s, Joe’s Bakery, and Rosita’s Al Pastor. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ is a little bit of a hike however is price it, as they’re usually ranked the finest within the metropolis.
For a enjoyable and informative introduction to the town, I like to recommend leaping on a free strolling tour. One widespread possibility is the downtown strolling tour by Tipster. These run day by day at 10 AM and final about two hours, starting on the State Capitol.
As with all free strolling excursions, it’s customary to depart a tip when you benefit from the tour. You’ll be able to simply present up if you’d like, or click on right here to allow them to know you’re coming and what number of are in your group.
An alternative choice is to simply head to the State Capitol and be part of certainly one of their free excursions. These start each 30-45 minutes from 9:30-3:30 on Monday-Friday and 12:30-3:30 on Saturday and Sunday.
Even when you don’t really feel like taking any type of tour, you need to nonetheless try the Capitol. It’s true that all the pieces’s greater in Texas — the State Capitol is greater than the nationwide one in DC!
Whilst you’re over there, you may as properly try the Governor’s Mansion as properly. You’ll must guide your spot a minimum of per week prematurely to take one of many free excursions right here, so click on right here to enroll.
Wish to simply cowl the entire above with a pleasant and knowledgable information, travelling by air-conditioned transportation and having fun with a meals truck snack?! This tour is just 2 hours lengthy and $40, which means you continue to have a great deal of time left to spend exploring all of the enjoyable issues to do in Austin.
Afternoon
After exploring the Capitol grounds, a handy lunch spot is Texas Chili Parlor. Not surprisingly, they’re identified for his or her chili right here. Attempt the XXX when you dare! Additionally they have plenty of tasty Tex-Mex choices like tamales and enchiladas.
As I discussed earlier, there’s undoubtedly some room for improvisation when exploring Austin in 2 days. The way you select to spend the afternoon totally will depend on your pursuits, so let me offer you a number of choices.
Initially, you’ll be able to try a number of museums, the campus of UT, and the LBJ (Lyndon Baines Johnson) Presidential Library. Just some blocks north of the Capitol is the Bullock Texas State Historical past Museum.
With interactive displays, movies, and an superior IMAX theater, this can be a good place to study all in regards to the Lone Star State. Tickets for the museum value $13 and it can save you time when you click on right here to guide your tickets on-line.
Proper throughout the road, you’ll discover the Blanton Museum of Artwork. It’s well-known for Austin – a stone constructing with coloured home windows designed by famend artist Ellsworth Kelly.
Seeing that alone is definitely worth the $15 value of admission (though it’s free on Tuesday), and there are 20,000 different artworks you’ll be able to try as properly.
Maybe you’re probably not into museums and would relatively spend extra time exterior. In that case, head straight to the College of Texas campus. It’s a good looking place to discover, filled with artwork and historic landmarks.
One factor you received’t wish to miss is The Colour Inside. This Skyspace from artist James Turrell is finest seen at sundown and is sort of widespread, so make sure to guide your spot properly prematurely.
Different choices on campus embrace heading to the highest of the UT Tower to soak up the views of this basic American campus. It prices $6 and solely takes about 45 minutes to go to.
In case you’re actually into historical past, then a go to to the LBJ Presidential Library is a must-do in your weekend in Austin. Native Texan Lyndon Baines Johnson was the thirty sixth President of the United States after the assassination of JFK.
There’s sufficient to see and do right here to maintain you busy for hours, together with listening to precise telephone calls LBJ had as president. It’s open day by day from 9-5 and tickets are simply $13. Click on right here to purchase them on-line prematurely.
For a full checklist of some distinctive tradition, historical past and art-filled issues to do, click on right here to study in regards to the widespread Viator excursions on provide, and click on right here to search out cool excursions on GetYourGuide.
Night
After an enormous day of sightseeing, it’s time to transition into Austin’s well-known nightlife. On this metropolis filled with school college students and musicians, there’s no scarcity of locations to moist your whistle.
There are bars of all shapes, sizes, and kinds within the Texas capital!
I like to recommend simply heading to sixth Road for a stroll to see what catches your eye. You received’t discover many completely satisfied hours on a weekend in Austin, however you’ll be able to catch reside music nearly in every single place.
One place that’s undoubtedly price trying out is the Firehouse Lounge. It’s positioned simply off sixth Road in an outdated fireplace station. Discover the key entrance to this cool speakeasy and revel in Prohibition-era cocktails with reside jazz and blues.
When spending two days in Austin, one merely should eat barbecue. This culinary artwork kind is a crucial a part of the tradition right here, and locals are pleased with their legendary barbecue.
I haven’t spent sufficient time in Austin to attempt to proclaim what one of the best BBQ on the town is. What I can say is that I totally loved our meal on the well-known Stubb’s. They normally have reside music right here as properly, so it’s a one-stop-shop for a enjoyable night in Austin.
Different widespread locations to get your BBQ repair downtown embrace Cooper’s Outdated-Time Pit Barbecue, Iron Works, and Gebby’s. If you wish to attempt the legendary beef brisket at Franklin Barbecue, you’ll must rise up early and wait in a protracted line. However it’s price it!
Irrespective of once you go to for a weekend in Austin, there’s positive to be tons of reside music occurring. Whether or not you’re into rock, funk, jazz, bluegrass, hip hop, digital, or simply about another type of music, there’s a spot for you in Austin.
I like to recommend trying out this calendar of occasions within the metropolis to higher assist you to plan the place you wish to spend your money and time. The very last thing you wish to do is wait in line and pay a canopy cost solely to finish up in a spot the place you hate the music!
Day 2 in Austin
Now that you simply’ve checked off most of the massive sights, it’s time for some additional exploration exterior of Austin’s downtown space. I’ll offer you some stable choices for the top of this weekend in Austin.
However first, brunch.
Morning
You may be feeling somewhat tough across the edges after an enormous night time out in Austin. That’s why we’re beginning day two out with a leisurely brunch.
My suggestion goes to the realm simply south of the river often called SoCo (South Congress). Inside a number of blocks, you’ll discover a few of the metropolis’s finest brunch spots.
Some wonderful choices within the space embrace Cafe No Se, June’s All Day, and Magnolia Cafe. Wherever you eat, prepare for somewhat stroll across the space in quest of road artwork and boutique outlets.
Head as much as Jo’s Espresso, the place you’ll be able to snap a pic with the “I Love You So A lot” wall. Stroll a block south to take a look at certainly one of my private favorites, the “Willie For President” mural.
You too can seize some chalk and scribble a message on the close by Earlier than I Die Wall. Write one thing that’s in your bucket-list then get to work checking it off!
Whilst you’re within the space, ensure to see the Greetings From Austin mural. Go forward and get your vital shot for the ‘gram with this iconic mural. Present everybody simply how a lot enjoyable you’re having along with your 2 days in Austin!
Down in SoCo you’ll additionally discover loads of good cafes, galleries, and boutiques.
It’s undoubtedly an space you’ll be able to linger for some time. We’ve nonetheless received loads of floor to cowl on this Austin itinerary, although, so let’s hold it transferring.
Word: In case you’re actually into road artwork, there are some implausible items to see in East Austin. Discover on foot for a few hours to offtrack areas that you simply received’t discover in your guidebook. Click on right here to study extra about this highly-rated expertise — it’s one you received’t’ wish to miss!
Afternoon
Having fun with the good outdoor is a should when touring to Austin. Fortunately you don’t must go very far to take action! Listed below are a number of completely different choices for spending a day exterior.
Zilker Metropolitan Park – This big metropolis park is the proper place to go on a good looking day in Austin. Right here you’ll be able to go for a stroll alongside one of many trails or simply take a dip within the Barton Springs Pool.
The park can be residence to a very nice botanical backyard. Close by is the Umlauf Sculpture Backyard and Museum, which at $7 is a complete steal for all of the superb sculptures you get to see.
Enjoyable within the Water – You too can take within the sights from the water in a rented kayak, canoe, or SUP (stand-up paddleboard). Click on right here to study extra in regards to the tremendous enjoyable kayak skyline tour, and click on right here for an SUP small-group tour.
Woman Chicken Lake – There’s a scenic 10-mile lengthy hike-and-bike path right here that makes for an important outing. Simply click on right here to obtain a map of the path.
There’s additionally a mile-long boardwalk when you’re in search of one thing a bit extra stress-free. Be sure you try the fascinating Belting It Out artwork set up right here, which options belts engraved with lyrics from Texas musicians.
No matter possibility you select, you received’t must go far to discover a good lunch spot. In case you go to the lake, you received’t be too removed from the legendary Rosita’s Al Pastor.
Over close to the park, there are many eating places on Barton Springs Highway. There’s additionally the Picnic — a meals truck park with a number of decisions. Right here yow will discover Italian, Thai, New Orleans type po’ boys and gumbo, and extra.
Night
In case your weekend in Austin occurs between March and November, it’s a must to see the bats in your final night on the town.
About half an hour earlier than sundown, over one million bats fly out from crevices within the bridge!
You could find a spot on the hill beneath the bridge to soak up the spectacle or join a tour to see them from a kayak or SUP. Austin even has an annual Bat Fest in August. I instructed you their slogan was “Preserve Austin Bizarre!”
Study extra in regards to the excursions with bats flying above — on a kayak, bike tour, or segway tour.
An alternative choice in your ultimate night in Austin is taking a river cruise.
Capital Cruises has a number of completely different cruises, together with a bat watching and sundown tour for $14 per particular person. They will additionally set you up with a personal dinner cruise. Head to their web site to take a look at all of the choices.
In case you’re in search of a one-stop-shop for eating and nightlife to wrap up your weekend in Austin, head on over to Rainey Road. It’s well-known for the numerous bars set in historic, bungalow-style houses.
A implausible dinner alternative right here is Emmer & Rye. Along with their revolutionary menu of seasonal specialties, additionally they have a dim sum cart rolling round.
In case you’re into beers and sausages, you’ll be able to head to close by Banger’s Sausage Home & Beer Backyard. With 30 completely different selfmade sausages and over 200 beers on faucet, the probabilities are infinite right here!
With the rest of your ultimate night time on the town, simply stroll round Rainey Road and pop into no matter place seems and sounds good. On any given weekend in Austin, there are all the time tons of decisions for reside music and good occasions!
Insider’s Suggestions for a Weekend in Austin
There you’ve it. I’ve set you up properly for an superior 2 days in Austin. Earlier than we wrap issues up, listed below are a number of suggestions to make sure you get pleasure from your weekend to the fullest:
Skip the automotive – Whereas some folks wish to hire a automotive for his or her go to to Austin, I don’t discover this vital. Initially, having to be answerable for a automobile limits your enjoyment of a weekend in Austin. You’ll have to fret about parking and received’t have the ability to indulge within the metropolis’s well-known breweries and bars.
It’s simple sufficient to get round Austin by catching the bus, calling an occasional Uber, and perhaps renting a motorcycle for a number of hours. Let different folks fear about driving and have your self some enjoyable!
Ebook a desk – Austin is a reasonably bumping place on the weekend. It’s a well-liked vacationer vacation spot and locals love going out right here as properly. Keep away from disappointment by reserving a desk the place attainable at a few of the locations listed on this information.
Test the calendar – As I discussed, there’s all the time one thing occurring right here. Austin has festivals all all year long and there’s reside music each night time. Be sure you test and see what’s enjoying so you can also make a recreation plan and purchase tickets if vital.
Tempo your self – It’s simple to enter a meals coma or get a bit tipsy in Austin. You’ll want to eat and drink all of the issues right here, however it’s key to tempo your self when doing so! Don’t overlook that water is your pal and it’s OK to eat a vegetable or two in between all of the BBQ and tacos.
Attending to Austin
Many guests arrive at Austin–Bergstrom Worldwide Airport (AUS), which is 5 miles southeast of downtown. There are fairly a number of choices for attending to your lodging from the airport.
By Bus
this metropolis rocks once you stroll out of the airport and see a large neon guitar for a bus cease. That is the place you’ll be able to hop on the Capital Metro bus to achieve downtown, the College of Texas campus, and northeast Austin.
The bus runs 7 days per week and leaves each quarter-hour.
It’s solely $1.25 for a one-way ticket, or you’ll be able to seize a day move for $2.50 that’s good on all different routes. If it is advisable switch to a different route to achieve your resort, make sure to seize the day move.
Taxi/Rideshare
Different choices embrace taking a shared shuttle, getting a taxi, or utilizing rideshare apps. A cab journey downtown from the airport prices round $30-35 lately.
It’s normally a bit cheaper to make use of Uber or Lyft you probably have an account and a working telephone.
Hire a Automobile
With only a weekend in Austin, it’s actually not a nasty thought to simply hire a automotive. This offers you the liberty to maneuver across the metropolis as you please and extra simply attain locations exterior of the middle.
That being stated, the town has stable choices for public transportation. It’s additionally an important place for biking and there are a number of outlets renting bikes out in addition to a bike-share program.
Arriving to Austin By Prepare or Inter-city Bus
In case you’re already touring within the US, you even have the choice of arriving in Austin by prepare or bus. The Texas Eagle Amtrak line stops in Austin and continues so far as each Los Angeles and Chicago.
A number of completely different bus corporations have routes that undergo Austin, together with Greyhound and Megabus. In case you guide
Megabus tickets early sufficient they’re tremendous low-cost. I believe we went from New Orleans to Houston to Austin for about $10 every!
Greatest Locations to Keep for a Weekend in Austin
There are a number of stable decisions with regards to areas to remain for a weekend in Austin.
In case you’re on the town for a bachelor or bachelorette get together (that are big right here), then the Rainey Road Historic District is a good possibility. This space is understood for its many bars in reworked bungalows.
One other widespread space to remain in for two days in Austin is South Congress.
Positioned simply throughout the river from downtown, the realm referred to as SoCo is filled with superb road artwork and performers. Your Instagram feed might be on level when you base your self right here for the weekend!
Just some blocks west is the Zilker neighborhood. House to the town’s huge Zilker Metropolitan Park, that is the place to be when you’re hoping to spend most of your time outdoor.
Whereas all of those are high quality decisions, my suggestion for a weekend in Austin goes to staying downtown. Extra particularly, the few blocks often called the Purple River Tradition District will get my vote.
This small however tight-knit neighborhood is the epicenter of Austin’s reside music scene.
There are a number of implausible eating places, bars, and golf equipment right here, which means you’ll be able to bounce round to completely different locations and have a brief stroll residence on the finish of the night time.
Throughout the day, you’re only a few blocks away from the Texas Capitol and a brief stroll right down to the river. Briefly, it’s the proper residence base for an Austin weekend journey.
I understand that being surrounded by reside music bars isn’t for everybody. By no means concern — there are many locations to remain downtown when you want a quieter night.
Listed below are a few of the finest choices for lodging in downtown Austin — a funds, mid-range, and luxurious option to fulfill all budgets:
In fact, one other nice possibility is to guide an condo and have the place to your self or hire a room. Test Reserving.com’s Austin Flats Web page for listings of the present top-rated flats within the metropolis.
The Greatest Time to Go to Austin
In case you love reside music, then completely one of the best time to go to Austin is within the fall in the course of the Austin Metropolis Limits Music Pageant. However when you can’t come then, there’s nearly all the time good reside music occurring in Austin.
One other nice occasion in Austin is South by Southwest (SXSW) in March. It has music, movie, comedy, exhibitions, and a lot extra.
However, when you’re extra into avoiding crowds and better costs, then undoubtedly don’t come to Austin throughout these two massive occasions!
Austin will get very popular in the summertime and somewhat cool within the winter. Due to the climate, my favourite time to go to Austin is in the course of the spring or fall, when the climate is delicate and nice.
FAQs About What to Do on a Weekend in Austin
Nonetheless have some questions on methods to spend a few days in Austin? Take a look at these FAQs.
I believe so. Whilst you may simply spend longer, two days in Austin will provide you with sufficient time to see the principle sights, have some BBQ, and go to a park or museum.
Saturdays in Austin are somewhat busier than throughout weekdays, however you’ll be able to nonetheless have a breakfast taco, go to a museum, and head to a park for a while outdoor or on the water.
Sure, Austin is a really walkable metropolis. You’ll be able to discover loads by strolling round downtown throughout a few days in Austin.
Completely! It’s certainly one of my favourite cities within the US, and I’ve traveled to plenty of them. Austin has cool neighborhoods, nice meals, wonderful reside music, and world-class occasions like Austin Metropolis Limits and SXSW.
No, you don’t want a automotive in Austin, and I like to recommend you don’t carry one. You’ll be able to see lots on foot with a few days in Austin, and also you received’t have to fret about parking.
Now You’re Prepared for two Days in Austin
As you’ll be able to see, you’re in for a deal with once you spend a weekend in Austin.
There’s all the time one thing occurring on this metropolis, which is residence to a beautiful mix of scholars, musicians, artists, techies, and entrepreneurs.
From huge festivals like Austin Metropolis Limits to the annual Bat Fest, there are an eclectic mixture of occasions right here. Whether or not you journey there throughout a pageant or not, you’re certain to have an excellent time in Austin.
In case you’ve been to Austin and have some suggestions on what to do, the place to eat, and the place to get together, depart a remark and allow us to hear about it!
Photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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